Speeches: House of Commons: Speech notes.

Reference code: CHAR 9/79

Date: 09 Feb 1927 - 06 Jul 1927

Scope/content:

Speech notes for WSC's statement (9 February), for the debate on the address on the programme of Government legislation, the Trade Unions Bill, the situation in China and Britain's attitude to the Soviet Union. Published: Complete Speeches IV pp 4140 - 4148.

Speech notes for WSC's Budget statement (11 April), on the effects of the General Strike and coal dispute, revenue (1926-1927) and expenditure (1926-1928), post-war Government departments, the National Debt, war debts, the sinking fund, simplification of income tax, tax evasion, indirect taxation, the McKenna Duties, wine and tobacco duties, the Road Fund and beer duties. Also includes a print of the statement and a press cutting from the Times reporting it. Published: Complete Speeches IV pp 4160 - 4188.

Speech notes for WSC's statement (23 June) on the 3rd reading of the Trades Dispute and Trade Unions Bill, including provocation from the unions, the threat of bringing the country to a standstill with the General Strike, and the use of industrial pressure to coerce the Government. Published: Complete Speeches IV pp 4245 - 4251.

Speech notes for WSC's statement (27 June), entitled "Treasury and Subordinate Departments" on the system of promotion by selection, as opposed to promotion by seniority, the union of the Finance and Supply departments, the general currency policy of the Gold Standard, or the alternative of currency manipulation. Source material includes a letter from Frederick Pethick-Lawrence [Labour MP for West Leicester], giving notice of his questions, and extracts from John Maynard Keynes on the Bank of England, including a quote from an article in the Nation and from "The End of Laissez-Faire" (1926). Published: Complete Speeches IV pp 4251 - 4258.

Speech notes for WSC's statement (6 July), entitled "House of Lords (Vote of Censure)" on allowing the Lords to take part in discussions on reform, Liberal and Labour opposition, altering the Parliament Act, and the composition of the House of Lords. Published: Complete Speeches IV pp 4296 - 4303.